In September, WHOI took delivery of a very special piece of equipment—a redesigned titanium frame for the submersible Alvin. In December 2010, after Alvin was pulled from service, it returned to Woods Hole and was completely disassembled for an extensive overhaul and upgrade to eventually increase its depth rating from 4500 to 6500 meters. A primary new component was the addition of a larger, stronger (and heavier) personnel sphere requiring the frame to be modified and strengthened. (Photo by Tom Kleindinst, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)

The Gulf Stream moved well north of its normal path in late October and early November 2011, causing warmer-than-usual ocean temperatures along the New England continental shelf, according to physical oceanographers at WHOI.